An introduction to what we know about government and politics, emphasizing the techniques by which we have come to know what we know. Intended for students planning to major in social science and other serious students of government and politics.

VII. Required Course Content and Direction

Course Learning Goals

An understanding of the functioning of political institutions and processes;

An elementary understanding of the perennial normative issues of politics;

An understanding of the more basic techniques of political analysis;

An understanding of current political events on national an global scale;

Ability to read critically about political subjects at the level of the educated layman;

Ability to think analytically about politics;

Ability to communicate orally and in writing about political analysis;

Ability to employ selected basis tools of political analysis; and

An understanding of the interrelations between government and society, political ideologies, techniques of political analysis, and the political science discipline itself.

Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities

Politics in Human Life

Governments and Governing: An Overview

Political Psychology, Socialization, and Culture

Modern Political Ideologies

Democracy and Authoritarianism: Principles and Models

Public Opinion in Democratic Systems

Political Communication and Noncommunication

The Electoral Process

Voting Behavior

Political Parties and Party Systems

The Legislative Process

The Executive Process

The Administrative Process

Law and the Judicial Process

Human Rights: Principles and Problems

Politics Among Nations

Peacemaking and Peacekeeping

Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals

Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:

Austin Ranney, Governing: An Introduction to Political Science (Upper Saddle River, NJ: latest edition) or similar text The New York Times (daily edition).